My cat won't eat, is lethargic, and has hard stool. What to do?

This could be due to a mild constipation, possibly due to hairballs. Mild constipation that lasts no more than two days can usually be resolved at home with increased fiber and hydration. Canned pumpkin (not pie filling, just the straight-up pumpkin) or liquid paraffin can be used, and should work straight away in the following 8 hours from administration. DO NOT TRY to give an enema as it could be dangerous and cause electrolyte imbalances and colon perforation. If constipation lasts more than 24 hours from administration of those or 48 hours in general, a check up at your local vet is required. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

I’m sorry to hear about Sapphire! If she is not vomiting and is drinking water, you can try a dose or two of laxatone: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/tomlyn-laxatone-tuna-flavored-hairball-lubricant This helps with mild constipation, especially due to hairballs. You can also try ONE dose of miralax liquid (regular human strength. Give 1/4 tsp by mouth once. (If there are other things going on it could worsen dehydration so do NOT give more than one dose just in case). But the truth is, once Sapphire goes 24 hours without eating, it’s time to see the vet. At that point we have to consider something else like a fever, infection, injury, organ disease, toxin etc. Even if it is regular old constipation, an enema or stronger laxative may be needed. Do no under any circumstance try to give an enema to Sapphire at home. I hope this helps and best of luck to you and Sapphire!

Constipation can be a very serious condition, it can be caused by a physical blockage (foreign body like a bone) or a functional peristalsis deficiency of the intestines. In order to treat simple constipation, you should increase the fibers in the food (e.g. canned pumpkin) and can add a little mineral oil to the diet. I strongly advise taking Acil to the vet in order to check if there is a serious condition causing the constipation first.

I am sorry to hear about Piper. I would check around the home and be sure there isn't a location she is using to have bowel movements (sometimes the stress of travel may cause accidents outside the litterbox). If you do not find any and she has been eating normally it is possible she is constipated. If she is still energetic/nonpainful/not vomiting then you could try picking up a hairball laxative at the pet store such as this: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/tomlyn-laxatone-tuna-flavored-hairball-lubricant If she doesn't produce a bowel movement within a day or two or starts acting lethargic/painful/vomits, or stops eating, then seek veterinary care. You can read more about constipation at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=634

I am sorry to hear about your kitty Kiko! Oftentimes if the oral laxative is not helping pass the stool, she may require more aggressive treatment at the vet's office such as a stay for a period of time to get IV fluids to help rehydrate her, an enema and in some cases sedation to manually empty the bowel https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951509 . I would recommend calling your vet to get Kiko back in for a recheck examination.

If Lilly has gone more than 24 hours without eating, she should be seen by the vet. For regular maintenance use, if Lilly has a tendency to get upset stomach from hairballs I recommend using a hairball supplement such as this one: Remedies_SMRT-_-Product_Listing_Ads-_-Smart_Shopping&kpid=go_6526132049_75197113101_383951179912_pla-709770020843_c&utm_config=tad0iunwp&utm_campaign=PTC_P_SUP_PLA-GG_FY19_SBU04_Cat_Supplements Remedies_SMRT&utm_source=google&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0aOl6aeR6AIVSrzACh2xjgDAEAQYAiABEgLvL_D_BwE I also recommend brushing Lilly daily so she ingests less hair.

Cats often are not constipated but are having diarrhea. With her age I would be concerned about a disease causing a decreased appetite. I would recommend taking her to a veterinarian for blood work and possible x-rays. At this age kidney disease, cancer and hyperthyroidism are very common. Also bad dental disease can cause a change in appetite. She most likely has an underlying disease that is causing her these secondary issues. I do not think changing her diet will be enough to make her feel better. A veterinarian visit is best. Hope she feels better soon